Patrick van Aanholt ‘has to realise he has to conduct himself so much better,’ David Moyes said.
Photograph: BPI/Rex/Shutterstock

Patrick van Aanholt and his Sunderland team-mates have been warned not to smoke shisha pipes and advised that being caught doing so will result in heavy fines.

David Moyes was “not impressed” by newspaper pictures of Van Aanholt apparently smoking such a hookah at a central Newcastle shisha lounge this summer and has made it clear that he will not countenance any repeats.

“I’ve not made a call on whether to fine him yet but it was in time off, his own time. That said, I’ve told him I don’t expect it at any time, even the off-season.

“As a professional footballer you’ve got to set standards, you’re a role model to so many children. I don’t think it’s a good thing for our younger supporters to see. I wouldn’t want to let my kids ever see me do that, not that I would.”

Moyes is particularly irritated by what he regards as Van Aanholt’s extraordinary irresponsibility given that the Dutchman has a heart irregularity which, although currently well under control and causing him no problems, requires regular monitoring.

Indeed only last Sunday, the 26-year-old was withdrawn from Sunderland’s team for the 1-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur at the last minute after a cardiologist queried his latest test results. Despite further checks this week eliminating such potential concerns, Moyes conceded that he does not know if Van Aanholt’s recreational habits could have affected his health.

Sunderland’s manager – who has rejected an invitation to bolster his attack by signing the free agent Emmanuel Adebayor – added that he regards such conduct as entirely unsuitable for professional athletes, saying that past criticism provoked when Raheem Sterling and Jack Wilshere were, separately, picture smoking shisha was fully justified. “Players have to be super-fit nowadays but it’s a short career and you earn really good money, it’s a great life. So, you know something? It’s not too big a deal just to make sure you look after yourself for the time you’re playing.”

Moyes could certainly do with his team being in optimal condition as they seek to secure his first Premier League victory since succeeding Sam Allardyce, at Crystal Palace’s expense on Saturday. With West Bromwich Albion visiting the Stadium of Light next Saturday, Palace is the first of two potentially winnable home matches which the former Everton, Manchester United and Real Sociedad manager hopes will belatedly kick-start Sunderland’s season.

“We’re in rough seas at the moment,” he said. “But if we can take points from these two games we can get into smoother waters.”